Ford Explorer trim comparison
2024 Ford Explorer Timberline vs ST
The Explorer Timberline starts at $49,430 while the ST is $50,105. That $675 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The ST gets the 3.0L V6 Turbo and RWD, so the $675 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The Timberline is enough if the 2.3L I4 Turbo with AWD already fits your routine; the ST only earns the jump when the 3.0L V6 Turbo and RWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $12/month more over 60 months, or roughly $720 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The Timberline and ST are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $675 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $135 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Timberline | ST |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $49,430 | $50,105 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.3L I4 Turbo | 3.0L V6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 22 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.9 gal | 20.2 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 119.1" |
| Length | 198.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.9" |
| Height | 70.7" | 69.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Ford Explorer Timberline vs ST Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Ford Explorer lineup, the Ford brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Explorer ST cost than the Timberline?
The ST starts at $50,105 compared to $49,430 for the Timberline. That is a $675 difference, or approximately $12/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Ford Explorer Timberline and ST have the same engine?
No. The Timberline uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo (300 hp, 310 lb-ft), while the ST has the 3.0L V6 Turbo (400 hp, 415 lb-ft). That is 100 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 10-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2024 Explorer Timberline come with RWD?
No. The Timberline comes standard with AWD while the ST has RWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2024 Explorer Timberline or ST safer?
Both share the same Ford Explorer platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Ford Explorer come with?
All 2024 Ford Explorer trims, including both the Timberline and ST, come with Ford's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Ford Explorer ST worth $675 more than the Timberline?
The ST changes both the engine and drivetrain for $675 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Explorer ST Worth $675 More?
Spending $675 more on the Explorer ST buys the 3.0L V6 Turbo engine (+100 hp) and RWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the Timberline has the 2.3L I4 Turbo, the ST the 3.0L V6 Turbo. That means 100 more horsepower and 105 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed. The ST drops to RWD from the Timberline's AWD. Less traction capability, but potentially better fuel economy.
Bottom Line
The Explorer ST costs $675 more than the Timberline (about $12/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $135 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Ford Explorer Timberline
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Timberline best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ford Explorer ST
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the ST when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ford or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.